YYC Holiday Travel Tips

December is a busy time of year for Calgary International Airport (YYC). During the holiday season, it is recommended that additional time should be allowed when travelling to and from YYC due to road conditions, weather and general congestion caused by increased vehicle, passenger and baggage volumes. Here are some tips and general information to help reduce travel-related stress or delays during the holiday season.

Security Tips and Restricted Items

Passenger and baggage security screening at airports in Canada is provided by the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA). For the most current information on tips to avoid delays during this important process, please go to http://www.catsa-acsta.gc.ca.

Flight Check-In

A frequent question received by The Calgary Airport Authority is ‘When should I arrive at the airport for my flight?”

Each airline sets its own recommended check-in time dependant on the destination. Generally, one hour should be the minimum for flights within Canada and two hours for destinations outside of Canada.

Web check-in services may be available through your airline. Web check-in allows passengers to choose seats and check-in as early as 24 hours prior to departure. Check your airline’s website for more information.

Baggage Allowances

Each airline has their own luggage allowance policies. Luggage restrictions can include weight and number of bags permitted to be checked without charge and size and number of carry-on items permitted on-board. Please check with your airline for information.

Parking

Park Closer this holiday season! YYC recently lowered weekly rates in both Parkades and the Economy Lot. New weekly rates include $39.95 per week in the Economy Lot, $59 per week in Parkade 2 and $99 per week in Parkade 1. With so many choices, parking at YYC has never been easier.

Click here for more parking information on rates and parking lot locations.

Don’t forget the free 30 minute parking in the Short-term parking area and the Cell Phone park and wait lot. The Cell Phone lot is located on north side of Airport Road (just to the right as you enter YYC), before the parkade entrance – just look for the purple and white signs! Arriving passengers will be able to collect their items, call their ride waiting in the Cell Phone lot and meet them at the designated area on the arrivals level. Fast, easy and free!

Other ground transportation options include taxis, sedans; the YYC airport shuttle or Calgary Transit. Associated Cab and Allied Limousine are YYC’s on-demand taxi and sedan ground transportation services available on the Arrivals Level 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Click here for more information on these great transportation options.

Winter Coat Storage

Leaving the cold winter weather and going somewhere warm for Christmas? The Airport Information Centre, located on the arrivals level, mid-terminal adjacent to Baggage Carousel Four is great place to store your coat while you’re away! Call 403-735-1449 for information and storage rates. The Information Centre, Storage and Lost Article hours of operation are daily from 6:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m.

Baggage Assistance

The Calgary Airport Authority offers complimentary baggage carts located throughout the terminal and adjoining parking areas.

For larger, heavier or multiple items, uniformed ‘red cap’ Porter Services are also available. Porters are compensated by gratuities, with $1 to $2 per bag considered customary. To pre-arrange this service for groups, call 403-291-2653.